I-League: Two wins in a row for United SC

Kolkata: United SC recorded their second straight win of the 2013-14 Airtel I-League on Sunday as they defeated Sporting Clube de Goa 3-1 in Kalyani. Sporting’s Victorino Fernandes cancelled out Ranti Martins’ first half opener but late goals from Biswajit Biswas and Eric Brown moved the Kolkata club to the top of the table.

United SC started the game well and were dominating possession in the early stages but Sporting Clube came closest to scoring as striker Boima Karpeh went past a couple of defenders and narrowly missed the target.

The home team slowly started to create openings though with Ranti wasting an opportunity after being put clean through on goal by Brown. The Nigerian made amends a few minutes later as he coolly slotted home CK Vineeth’s low cross to put the purple shirts in front.

Although Sporting Clube didn’t really threaten after going behind they still had chances to equalise as United SC were guilty of giving away possession in their own half. But the Goan club were wasteful in front of goal while United SC defender Bello Rassaq also had to make a couple of important interventions.

United SC goalkeeper Sangram Mukherjee made a fine save to deny Victorino early in the second half but Sporting Clube restored parity a few minutes later. Jovel Martins profited from Rassaq’s slip as he set up an unmarked Victorino who scored past Sangram to make it 1-1.

It was a deserved equaliser for Sporting Clube and they were seeing more of the ball after goal but it was United SC who looked more likely to score next with Martins and Brown combining well.

Joseph Pereira though could have given the visitors the lead in the 71st minute but was denied by a last-ditch challenge from Rassaq.

The match looked set for a draw until the 87th minute when young Biswajit Biswas put United SC back in front. Sporting Clube custodian Ravi Kumar spilled Martins’ effort and Biswas scored from the rebound.

Brown sealed the points for United SC in stoppage time by scoring a brilliant solo goal to net his second in as many games this season.

The win takes United SC’s tally to six points after two rounds and they next have a trip to Bangalore to face debutants Bengaluru FC. Sporting Clube still have just one point and have another away game next weekend against Shillong Lajong.

--

Get stories like this on the Yahoo app and discover more every day.Download it now.